5 questions with Erik Thoresen
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Erik Thoresen spins dance-worthy mixes every Saturday night at Station 4. He’s held that post since the club opened two years ago. Thoresen began composing electronic dance music in 1995 and has worked as a disc jockey since 2001. Catch him at the Throckmorton Mining Company and JR’s Bar & Grill when he’s not at Station 4.
How did you become a DJ in Dallas?
I’ve been DJing since 2001. As a music student at UNT, I was clubbing more than studying. With the help of my friends, I got a chance to work at the Village Station as a video tech, and DJing was a natural progression. I’ve been in the Dallas scene for four years, after moving back from Miami Beach in 2002.
Is working at a gay club different than working at a straight club?
Since everyone comes to Station 4, it doesn’t matter who you are. On the dance floor, people come together to have fun and rock the party.
How do you select your music?
Since there are so many types of electronic dance music, I call what I play “Hits and Beats.” The song has to be a hit, and/or have a great beat just don’t call it Techno! I stay on top of record pools, charts, iTunes, Billboard Magazine, label promos, satellite radio, other DJs, friends I gather information anywhere I can.
Do you feel that music and dance are essential, and if so, why?
Of course music is important. Especially when you’re at the club, the feeling you get from the bass is like nothing else. I’d like to give props to my amazing co-workers, too. I work with a talented group of DJs that ensure you’ll have a great night out, every night.
What are some of your hobbies and special achievements?
I like to shop at record stores like Tower, Oaklawn and Core Records. I’ll truly miss that. As part of the remix team “DJ Blaine Meets Hefty Lefty,” we’ve remixed and produced songs for artists such as Pepper MaShay, Jacinta and Raw Deal featuring Reed McGowan. Check me out as Hefty Lefty at www.myspace.com/heftyleftyremix
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the GLBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, contact staff writer Beth Freed at freed@dallasvoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, October 20, 2006.